The Inaugural Greater New Haven Italian-American Heritage Festival
October 7th, 12PM – 6PM at Hamden’s Town Center Park
Hamden – The Greater New Haven Italian-American Heritage Committee (GNHIAHC) and the Town of Hamden are very pleased to announce that the Town of Hamden is proudly hosting the inaugural Greater New Haven Italian-American Heritage Festival on Saturday, October 7th, 2023 at Hamden’s Town Center Park from 12PM to 6PM.
The GNHIAHC has transitioned the annual parade to a festival to allow for wider participation. The host community rotates annually among New Haven, North Haven, West Haven, Branford, East Haven and Hamden. Hamden is truly honored to have been chosen as this year’s host community.
Festivities will include on-stage acts & performances to showcase each community, a car show, food trucks, music, touch a truck, kids activities, and family fun to celebrate Italian-American heritage.
At Town Center Park, 2761 Dixwell Ave in Hamden, festivities include:
- 12:15PM – Kickoff Ceremony
- 1PM to 3PM – On-Stage Acts & Performances
- 3PM – Car Show Awards
- 3:15PM to 5:15PM – On-Stage Acts & Performances
- 5:30PM to 5:45PM – Closing ceremony
More details will be provided as we get closer to the event. Please check the GNHIAHC website and the Town of Hamden website for updates.
For ample free parking, please enter Town Center Park through the Hamden Middle School, 2623 Dixwell Ave. Parking can also be found at the Miller Cultural Complex, 2901 Dixwell Ave.
The GNHIAHC has selected Linda DiSorbo and Joseph Rocco Colello Jr. as the Greater New Haven Italian-American Heritage Festival Grand Marshals.
Linda DiSorbo, a second-generation Italian-American born in East Haven, CT, has made a lasting impact on Hamden, CT. Alongside her husband Luigi, she opened The DiSorbo Bakery in Hamden in 1970, becoming a beloved business owner in the community. With three children, seven grandchildren, and a deep connection to her Italian heritage, Linda was honored as the Grand Marshal for the Greater New Haven Italian-American Heritage Dinner. Despite her achievements, Linda remains humble and can still be found at the bakery every Wednesday, delighting customers with her expertly made cannoli.
Joseph Rocco Colello Jr. is a proud member of the Santa Maria Maddalena Society which was founded 125 years ago to provide mutual aid to Italian immigrants and continues to be an important part of the Greater New Haven Italian American community. As the Director of Public Works for the Town of Hamden, Joseph is central to Hamden’s efforts to improve infrastructure and services for residents. Joseph is the proud husband of Kaye, a Hamden Middle School teacher and author and he is the loving father of his daughters, Christianna and Gabriella.
It is our pleasure to invite you and your community to join us on Saturday October 7th for the inaugural festival. We look forward to making this day a great success and a greatly anticipated event throughout the region.
Please bring a nonperishable food item for the Hamden Food Pantry.
The Inaugural Greater New Haven Italian-American Heritage Festival is presented by the GNHIAHC and Hamden’s Department of Arts, Culture, Recreation and Wellness. The Inaugural Greater New Haven Italian-American Heritage Festival is held in cooperation with the Hamden Parks Department, Hamden Public Works, Hamden Police Department, Hamden Fire Department, CERT, and the Hamden’s Mayor’s Office.
In the event of inclement weather, the festival will be held on the rain date of Sunday, October 8th.
If you would like to participate in the festival as a sponsor, vendor, or exhibitor, and for further information, please contact:
Cultural Affairs at (203) 672-2070 or by email at culturalaffairs@hamden.com.
Deputy Chief of Staff, Alexa M. Panayotakis, at (203) 287-7100 or by email at apanayotakis@hamden.com.
